Mark your calendars for the PIAC Annual Irish American Festival!
Festival will be held in Stroudsburg Courthouse Square on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Doors open at 11:30 AM.
To become a vendor at this year's festival use the following link:
https://www.poconoirishamericanclub.com/vendor-application.html#/
Festival will be held in Stroudsburg Courthouse Square on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Doors open at 11:30 AM.
To become a vendor at this year's festival use the following link:
https://www.poconoirishamericanclub.com/vendor-application.html#/
Entertainment
Headliner
Kilmaine Saints is a band formed on good whiskey and bad intentions. The brainchild of two members of a Harrisburg Pipe & Drum band, this project was originally created with the sole intent of getting them free beer at St. Patrick’s Day shows in the central PA area (and might I add- mission accomplished). After incorporating the help of fellow members from the pipe band and other notable musicians from the area, they soon realized they were in for one hell of a ride. Since 2009 they have continued to pound through blistering, high-energy live sets that keep people singing along, stomping their feet, lifting their pints and shouting for more. With several hundred shows at pubs and festivals from New Jersey to California, critically acclaimed releases under their belts, national and international airplay, and an ever-expanding and extremely loyal fanbase, it’s no wonder the world is starting to stand up and take notice. In short, The Kilmaine Saints are equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride, and whiskey. This explosive Celtic rock band from central PA will steal your heart, your spirit, and your pint when you’re not looking.
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Pittsburgh-based Bastard Bearded Irishmen is one of the most entertaining and energetic live shows today. Their sound is an original, ferocious blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic music, mixed with punk, gypsy and high-energy rock n’ roll.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen, or BBI, was originally intended to be a one-night-only tribute for a dear, departed friend. Jimmy Bastard and Ben Jaber shared a passion for Irish music and enlisted Dan Stocker on drums and Danny Rectenwald on mandolin to form the nucleus of the band.
What began as a tribute in local pubs, turned into three records, constant touring, and sharing the stage with everyone from The Rumjacks to Gogol Bordello. They have one of the best St. Patrick’s Day shows in the country. They’re hard-partying and always in good spirit. The group’s lineup is rounded out by Paul Dvorchak on fiddle, Ryan Warmbrodt on rhythm guitar, and Sean-Paul Williams on bass.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen concerts are a non-stop barrage of party anthems, dancing tunes and maybe even the occasional whiskey-fueled ballad. The experience is always organic, and sometimes, unpredictable. Jimmy climbs the rafters and Danny jumps into the crowd. Maybe you get to do a solo. Who knows? Quite simply, the guys want you to have as much fun as they’re having.
The band’s third album, “Drinkin’ to the Dead,” will be released wide May 2018. It’s a tribute to fallen friends and family, one of the reasons Bastard Bearded Irishmen formed in the first place; a respectful remembrance of those who have passed with an acceptance to go on and live your best life. Standout tracks include “Green Side of the Hill”, “Drunken Drinkin’”, the cover of “Dirty Old Town” by Ewan MacColl and the epic ending and album-titled “Drinkin’ to the Dead.”
“Drinkin’ to the Dead” is full of surprises and new stretches for the band. The album further demonstrates that Bastard Bearded Irishmen is not just a St. Patrick’s Day band.
One other special note: this is first album where mandolinist and background vocalist Danny Rectenwald steps out to lead vocals on four tracks. Jimmy Bastard still leads vocals and is the principal songwriter on the remaining songs.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen is sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Iron City Beer.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen, or BBI, was originally intended to be a one-night-only tribute for a dear, departed friend. Jimmy Bastard and Ben Jaber shared a passion for Irish music and enlisted Dan Stocker on drums and Danny Rectenwald on mandolin to form the nucleus of the band.
What began as a tribute in local pubs, turned into three records, constant touring, and sharing the stage with everyone from The Rumjacks to Gogol Bordello. They have one of the best St. Patrick’s Day shows in the country. They’re hard-partying and always in good spirit. The group’s lineup is rounded out by Paul Dvorchak on fiddle, Ryan Warmbrodt on rhythm guitar, and Sean-Paul Williams on bass.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen concerts are a non-stop barrage of party anthems, dancing tunes and maybe even the occasional whiskey-fueled ballad. The experience is always organic, and sometimes, unpredictable. Jimmy climbs the rafters and Danny jumps into the crowd. Maybe you get to do a solo. Who knows? Quite simply, the guys want you to have as much fun as they’re having.
The band’s third album, “Drinkin’ to the Dead,” will be released wide May 2018. It’s a tribute to fallen friends and family, one of the reasons Bastard Bearded Irishmen formed in the first place; a respectful remembrance of those who have passed with an acceptance to go on and live your best life. Standout tracks include “Green Side of the Hill”, “Drunken Drinkin’”, the cover of “Dirty Old Town” by Ewan MacColl and the epic ending and album-titled “Drinkin’ to the Dead.”
“Drinkin’ to the Dead” is full of surprises and new stretches for the band. The album further demonstrates that Bastard Bearded Irishmen is not just a St. Patrick’s Day band.
One other special note: this is first album where mandolinist and background vocalist Danny Rectenwald steps out to lead vocals on four tracks. Jimmy Bastard still leads vocals and is the principal songwriter on the remaining songs.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen is sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Iron City Beer.
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Sheridan Rúitín
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Sheridan Rúitín was born in The Spring of 2020 in a Congers, NY detached garage converted "Sheridan's Pub." In the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic, as more pubs and restaurants were shutting their doors, Billy Houlihan became more and more of a regular at his next door neighbor's (Sheridan's) pub. Sheridan's pub was complete with a speaker system, Guinness on tap (ran through G-mix), and portraits of the 1916 rising Irish rebel leaders. It was everything you'd imagine a suburban New York garage would look like if it was owned by a man from Kildare.
Billy would bring his banjo over to the pub every day after working his construction job, and him and Sheridan would drink beer and have a laugh playing all sorts of Irish ballads, rebel songs, and jigs & reels. They eventually invited over Billy's cousin, Shannon Cokeley, to sing and play guitar and soon enough she found herself a regular in the pub after working as a school teacher during the days.
Only to become jealous of the fun Billy, Shannon, and Sheridan would have in the garage pub every night playing music, Shannon's husband, Tommy, had begun learning how to play a bodhran. This led to many fantastic jam sessions and 3 part harmonies of traditional Irish songs.
One quiet evening in May of 2020, Billy brought his guitar over to the pub and he and Sheridan sat at the bar, sang rebel songs, and drank beer. Sheridan got quite into the moment while singing "The Kerry Recruit," leading him to tumble off his bar stool - ultimately breaking his ankle (Irish: rúitín) in 2 places.
Sheridan Rúitín now had an official band name and began recording songs and videos to release on YouTube. As pubs and restaurants were slowly opening back up, the family band began playing many gigs and were joined by old musician friends, John Damiano and Michael Zayas. Towards the end of 2021, the group began creating their own arrangements of traditional songs and writing a few originals to eventually become their debut album, "Rebels in the Night." The album saw much success in pre-orders from all over the world. "Rebels in the Night" was released on March 6, 2022, and Sheridan Rúitín went on tour the whole month in support of their debut album.
Modern day has it that the band is known for their traditional Irish sound and their unique blend of folk and rock influences. Their music has been described as being "rooted in tradition and fueled by innovation, weaving a tapestry of ancient musical heritage with contemporary flair – from lively jigs and reels to poignant ballads and ethereal harmonies." Apart from their debut album, "Rebels in the Night" which received critical acclaim and helped to establish the band as one of the leading Celtic folk/Celtwave groups of the greater New York area, they have also released a live album, 3 EPs, and several singles all while touring extensively throughout the United States. They have performed at several major music festivals, including the East Durham Irish Festival, Poconos Irish Festival, Bergen County Irish Festival, and the Hooley on the Hudson. Their upcoming "Keep 'Er Lit" tour will have Sheridan Rúitín performing festivals and concerts throughout the United States and Canada; including Havertown Irish Festival, Rockaway Beach Irish Festival, Gavinstock & more.
In the words of Sheridan: "Me feckin leg is in bits."
Billy would bring his banjo over to the pub every day after working his construction job, and him and Sheridan would drink beer and have a laugh playing all sorts of Irish ballads, rebel songs, and jigs & reels. They eventually invited over Billy's cousin, Shannon Cokeley, to sing and play guitar and soon enough she found herself a regular in the pub after working as a school teacher during the days.
Only to become jealous of the fun Billy, Shannon, and Sheridan would have in the garage pub every night playing music, Shannon's husband, Tommy, had begun learning how to play a bodhran. This led to many fantastic jam sessions and 3 part harmonies of traditional Irish songs.
One quiet evening in May of 2020, Billy brought his guitar over to the pub and he and Sheridan sat at the bar, sang rebel songs, and drank beer. Sheridan got quite into the moment while singing "The Kerry Recruit," leading him to tumble off his bar stool - ultimately breaking his ankle (Irish: rúitín) in 2 places.
Sheridan Rúitín now had an official band name and began recording songs and videos to release on YouTube. As pubs and restaurants were slowly opening back up, the family band began playing many gigs and were joined by old musician friends, John Damiano and Michael Zayas. Towards the end of 2021, the group began creating their own arrangements of traditional songs and writing a few originals to eventually become their debut album, "Rebels in the Night." The album saw much success in pre-orders from all over the world. "Rebels in the Night" was released on March 6, 2022, and Sheridan Rúitín went on tour the whole month in support of their debut album.
Modern day has it that the band is known for their traditional Irish sound and their unique blend of folk and rock influences. Their music has been described as being "rooted in tradition and fueled by innovation, weaving a tapestry of ancient musical heritage with contemporary flair – from lively jigs and reels to poignant ballads and ethereal harmonies." Apart from their debut album, "Rebels in the Night" which received critical acclaim and helped to establish the band as one of the leading Celtic folk/Celtwave groups of the greater New York area, they have also released a live album, 3 EPs, and several singles all while touring extensively throughout the United States. They have performed at several major music festivals, including the East Durham Irish Festival, Poconos Irish Festival, Bergen County Irish Festival, and the Hooley on the Hudson. Their upcoming "Keep 'Er Lit" tour will have Sheridan Rúitín performing festivals and concerts throughout the United States and Canada; including Havertown Irish Festival, Rockaway Beach Irish Festival, Gavinstock & more.
In the words of Sheridan: "Me feckin leg is in bits."
PIAC 2024 Irish American Festival Vendors
Festival Map
Thank You To All The
PIAC 2024 Irish American Festival Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Dublin Sponsors
Galway Sponsors
Limerick Sponsors
Killarney Sponsors
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